Mohave Pyracantha (Firethorn)

Pyracantha x ‘Mohave’

Description

With the Mohave, also known as the Firethorn, you get hardy evergreen growth, shade tolerance and adaptability to challenging conditions…all with exotic color that’s second to none when it comes to evergreens. Our Mohave offers classic green vibrancy with the twist of vivid red berries – and tons of them.

Initially, the berries emerge as a deep burnt-orange but soon turn to a bright fire-engine red. And when spring arrives, white flowers will burst onto the scene and cover your shrub. Plus, the Mohave’s tough nature makes it a wonderful shrub for a variety of planting options.

With a high tolerance to shade and wind exposure, this hardy evergreen works well when used to create a screen or hedge throughout the landscape. In addition to its ability to adapt to difficult conditions, the shrub is highly productive, yielding tons of flavorful fall berries, perfect for making homemade jellies and jams to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Planting

First, select an area with full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day) and well-drained soil. Pyracantha Shrubs grow in most soil types but prefer moist, well-drained conditions. When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole that’s large enough to accommodate the shrub’s root ball (with some extra width to make room for mature growth), place your shrub and backfill the soil. We recommend watering to settle the roots and mulching to conserve moisture.

Watering

Occasional deep watering from early spring to late fall with 1 inch of water per week or more during hot, dry periods of weather provides enough moisture for the shrub. Use a garden hose and water at the soil level. If you’re not sure when to water, check the soil with your index finger, about 3 inches down. If the soil is dry, water until it’s moist. Stop watering during the winter months.

Fertilizing

Annual fertilization when new growth begins in late winter can help boost the growth of your Pyracantha. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 at a rate of 1 tablespoon per foot of height is sufficient for each plant.

Pruning

Prune Pyracantha during the spring after it finishes blooming. Remove any dead or diseased wood at its point of origin. To maintain shape, select wayward or leggy side shoots and cut them back to the first three leaves or cluster of berries. Remove lower branches for a treelike form or leave them in place for a more natural shape. The Pyracantha has sharp thorns, so wear thick gloves while pruning to avoid injuries.